With fewer than six months remaining until the opening of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal is under both intense pressure and justified pride as it prepares to host Africa’s first-ever Olympic event. Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, the games represent a landmark moment for the nation and the continent, following the postponement of the originally planned 2022 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
a continental milestone with global stakes
The Dakar 2026 YOG is set to welcome 2,700 young athletes under the age of 17, competing across 25 Olympic sports and 10 demonstration events, totaling 153 medal events—73 men’s, 73 women’s, and 7 mixed. This edition marks the first time an Olympic event will be held on African soil, placing Senegal in the international spotlight and underscoring the importance of flawless execution.
leadership and coordination under the spotlight
Ahmadou al-Aminou Lo, Senegal’s Minister of State overseeing the Senegal 2050 Transformation Agenda, leads a dedicated « oversight committee » that meets bi-monthly. Comprising state, local, and institutional actors, the committee ensures all preparations stay on track amid tight deadlines. Lo, a former director of the West African Central Bank (BCEAO), emphasizes the dual pressure and responsibility: « It’s not just about delivering a world-class sporting event—it’s about proving Africa’s capability to the world. »
France-Senegal partnership: leveraging experience from Paris 2024
In 2019, Senegal and France signed a strategic partnership agreement, the Dakar-Paris 2024 Alliance, to facilitate knowledge sharing. This collaboration includes the integration of 30 Paris 2024 experts into Dakar’s organizing team and the training of 419 young volunteers through the Learning Academy program. Additionally, a €80 million sovereign loan from AFD (Agence Française de Développement) has funded the renovation of key venues like the Stade Iba-Mar-Diop and the Tour de l’Œuf sports complex, which includes the new Olympic swimming pool.
infrastructure upgrades: from swimming pools to urban renewal
The Tour de l’Œuf complex, now under construction by Sogea-Satom (Vinci Group), will host swimming, 3×3 basketball, baseball, breaking, and skateboarding. Over 450 workers are involved in the site’s renovation, with a first full water-fill test scheduled for May 15. The complex is expected to become a multi-sport hub post-YOG, featuring football, basketball, handball, and tennis facilities.
sustainability and legacy: building for the future
Senegal’s ambitions extend beyond the games. Minister Lo highlights the Senegal 2050 Agenda, which aims to double the sport industry’s contribution to the GDP, currently at €15 million. Post-YOG, the focus will be on maintaining these infrastructures and fostering sports excellence through training programs and centers of excellence. « Our first medal will be for cleanliness, » Lo states, referencing Dakar’s goal to emulate Kigali’s reputation for cleanliness (ranked first in Africa in 2025 by Jeune Afrique).
The Christine Fages, France’s Ambassador to Senegal, underscores the partnership’s broader impact: « The collaboration between Paris 2024 and Dakar 2026 isn’t just about sharing expertise—it’s about building a sustainable legacy for Senegal’s youth and economy. »
Ambassador Fages adds that the €233,000 support provided to Dakar’s judo academy at Lycée Lamine Gueye has enabled renovations to the dormitory and dojo, alongside medical and sports training for young judokas in preparation for the YOG.
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